Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Water Models / November 2005

been my experience with other surfaces (not gel coat) that 120 grit sand
paper to 'scuff'(as opposed to sanding down to the base material) the
surface coating works well.
rex

By all means, scuff the surface to remove all gloss.  This doesn't take
much!  I prefer to use wet/dry stuff in the wet mode.  You can start with
220 or 300.  If it seems to work too fast for you, go with something finer.

Let dry and wipe with alcohol.  Spray with a good primer.  I prefer the
filler type found in auto parts stores.  Wet sand smooth again (you'll do a
lot of this) and check for imperfections.  Fill those with a good filler
(Squadron Green Stuff is always a winner) and spray another coat of primer.
Sand, check for imperfections, fill and recoat as necessary.  The final
finish will only be as good as the prep.

Once satisfied with the primer, wipe again with alcohol.  For color coats
I've used Krylon and the Auto Store stuff from spray cans.  First coat of
base color should NOT completely hide the primer.  I really like it to take
three coats to completely hide the primer.  That's a gray primer under a
white base coat.  Other combos will vary.  But you want the first coat to be
a light coat.  Lightly wet sand between all coats.  Pay attention to temp
ranges, drying times, etc. One you pick a type of paint, enamel etc, stick
with that type.

Don't RUSH!  Give it plenty of time to dry (you can never give it too much
time).  And with luck you won't slam the thing into a door frame as soon as
it's done, like I tend to do!